Councillors support plans for a directly elected Mayor of Greater Manchester

Council leader Richard Farnell supports plans for a directly elected Mayor of Greater Manchester

A report presented to the Council sets out the implications for Rochdale Council of the recent agreement with the Government to devolve functional and fiscal responsibilities alongside a staged approach to Greater Manchester governance arrangements.

The report outlined the importance of the emerging devolution deal and how it supports Rochdale’s priorities and its role in shaping Greater Manchester priorities, the proposed governance arrangements and the relationship between Rochdale, GMCA and a Greater Manchester Mayor. The report also highlighted those areas where there will be "further opportunities" for devolution in the future.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Farnell said: “Greater Manchester will be the first authority to receive new resources from Central Government. If this goes ahead then Rochdale will be provided with extra powers and resources whether that be transport powers, regeneration powers or education powers. We can draw and focus on the areas that need it most. The Directly Elected Mayor would not appoint its own cabinet, they would work with the leaders of Greater Manchester Councils to discuss responsibility, spending and power. This would be a powerful voice for the North West.”

Councillor Peter Williams, the Deputy Leader of the Council said: “I think this is a great position for the authorities of Greater Manchester to be in.”

Councillor Ashley Dearnley added: “I am delighted to support the proposals put forward. It will not only be good for Manchester but will be good for Rochdale. I have been assured in a letter from George Osborne that the council will keep its money and its powers.”

Councillor Michael Holly said: “I think this is the right thing to do and will show Greater Manchester as a figure head of driving forward.”

The Mayor for Greater Manchester will differ from current mayoralties in that the powers are greater and control extends over more than one local authority area. The Government will now prepare legislation to enable these changes with the potential for the Mayoral election to take place in 2017.